4. A cat being electrocuted (This scene is particularly enjoyable for dog-lovers…)

5. Clark’s desire to install a swimming pool with his year-end bonus

6. Clark’s boss “kidnapped” by Uncle Eddie

7. An electrical outlet with too many things plugged into it

8. An icicle flying into the neighbor’s house

I could go on and on…You remember those scenes, right? Well, more than providing us with a good laugh, these scenes can teach us a thing or two about insurance. Don’t believe me? Let’s look at each scene in order…

The 8 Insurance Lessons

1. Your homeowners policy won’t pay for your injuries after a close encounter with the attic stairs. You would need Health Insurance for that. So, if you need to get something out of the attic, have your Cousin Eddie do it…

2. Damage to your home from rodents and pests, including from your own pets, is generally not covered on your homeowners policy. So, don’t leave the catnip, a raw slab of meat, or the mailman lying around.

3. Consider purchasing Life Insurance, and if you’re a smoker, watch where you light up.

4. If you have pets, consider pet insurance. Your homeowners policy may not cover Fluffy’s death by electrocution.

5. Swimming pools are covered under the “Other Structures” section of your homeowners policy. However, there may be a limit to the amount of coverage extended to a pool. So, make sure you have enough coverage, or build a small one.

6. Intentional acts are not covered. Don’t kidnap your boss.

7. Make sure your home is insured for 100% replacement cost, and consider a policy that offers Guaranteed Replacement Cost. And remember, besting your neighbor’s light display is best left to the movies.

8. Make sure your liability limits are adequate and consider a Personal Umbrella Policy, which increases your liability coverage in the event you do accidental damage to your neighbor’s mansion, master bedroom and massive home theater system. What’s more, icicles, in general, are a potential sign of ice damming, which could cause water damage to your property.

See, I told you we could learn something about insurance!

Now, I know what you’re thinking. No one wants to think about insurance the next time you sit down at your table to enjoy the holiday feast. But remembering these tips, as silly as they may be, can go a long way in protecting you and your loved ones during this holiday time and beyond.

And maybe, most importantly of all, remember the greatest lesson we can learn from the Griswolds…a dysfunctional family is still a family.